By: Ashmar Mandou

Public safety is a prevalent issue for the people of the Pilsen, especially during the summer months. In order to promote peace and safety, The Resurrection Project (TRP), 12th District Police Department and Faith in Action have joined together to host Peace in Pilsen Action: Police Roll Call and Police vs. Youth Basketball Game as a way to engage youth in the neighborhood to promote positive behavior. The event is designed to elevate peace talks during the spring and summer months when the community faces high rates of violent crimes. Members of The Resurrection Project Erendira Rendon, TRP’s lead organizer and Henry Cervantes, TRP safety organizer, talked about the importance of the event what they hope the community takes away from it.

Lawndale Bilingual News: The Resurrection Project will host a peace event on Friday with the help of the 12th District Police Department and Faith in Action. Please talk to me about the significance of the event and what you hope youth take away from it?

“Since its founding, TRP has been addressing complex issues and helping to build healthier communities. Working with youth and the 12th District Police Department gives us an opportunity to build trust and start conversations about community violence. Events like this are important across the city to address the issue violence.” – Erendira Rendon, TRP’s lead organizer

What compelled TRP to host an event like this aimed at youth?

“This event is one of several events that focus on community safety. The Resurrection has a long history of working with youth through our Resurrection Basketball League initiative. This is a weekly summer tournament held on different streets in Pilsen that are considered hot spots for violence. The goal is to reclaim these blocks as areas of peace, fun, and safety for youth. These types of events also help introduce youth to other resources to help them become leaders in the community.” – Henry Cervantes, TRP Safety Organizer

What are TRP, Faith in Action and the Police Department doing together to take proactive steps in combating the issue of public safety?

The Resurrection Project and its community partners coordinate efforts through the Pilsen Family Task Force and have been holding a series of actions that include the following: Facilitating non-violence workshops for youth, organizing peace and safety walks in the community, and hosting events like the police vs. youth basketball game.

What can families do together to help strengthen relationships and encourage healthy communities?

“Things families can do together include participating in public events, getting to know their neighbors and youth, and reporting violence. Community ownership is key to building healthy communities. This means residents and their families are encouraged to be invested in their neighborhood by being active participants in their community.” – Erendira Rendon, TRP Lead Organizer

What would you want people to know about the Pilsen community?

“Community safety is a priority in Pilsen. It is a community of youth filled with potential and it’s everyone’s responsibility to make sure we are providing them with the opportunities they need to succeed. Also, if people are interested in getting involved we encourage them to either call us at 312-880-1151 or go to www.resurrectionproject.org to learn more about our community safety initiatives.” – Henry Cervantes, TRP Safety Organizer

Peace in Pilsen Action: Police Roll Call and Police vs. Youth Basketball Game will take place on Friday, May 22nd from 6pm to 8pm at Throop Park, 1811 S. Throop St., Chicago, IL 60608.